Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant Meeting

Mayor Gonzalez recently hosted the first Choice Neighborhoods Community Meeting for over 80 residents and representatives from HACC and HUD. The community gathering offered residents an opportunity to learn more about the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant and to encourage community engagement as the process moves forward. Chicago Heights is one of 6 communities nationwide and the only city in Illinois to receive a HUD Choice Neighborhood Grant this year. This was the first of a series of community events the Mayor will host to ensure residents are engaged in the planning and implementation processes. “The award of the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant is an unprecedented opportunity for the city to partner with HACC, and give our residents a voice on the revitalization plan for the eastside and downtown.” said Mayor Gonzalez.
For more information on City of Chicago Heights Choice Neighborhoods, follow the links or contacts below:
www.chiheightschoice.com
comments@chiheightschoice.com
708-756-5315

CHPD Appoints New Operations Commander

The new Operations Commander for the City of Chicago Heights Police Department has drawn a warm welcome from the city’s mayor, David Gonzalez.

Mikal Elamin, who had served as the CHPD’s Lieutenant/Watch Commander since March 2016, was promoted to the department’s number three leadership job by CHPD police chief Tom Rogers on March 12, 2018.

“After more than 20 years with the Chicago Heights Police Department, starting as a patrol officer, Mikal Elamin has risen through the ranks as one of the most experienced, trusted, and dependable officers on the force,” said Mayor David Gonzalez. “Mikal earned the promotion to operations commander through his dedication and job performance, and I’m proud and thankful for his contribution to the city.”

Prior to being hired by CHPD in September 1996, Elamin, who is married with four children, served in the National Guard’s Military Police 933^rd MP company from 1990 to 1996.

“I’m honored by the promotion,” said Elamin. “I will diligently serve the men and women of the Chicago Heights Police Department, the community, and Chicago Heights as a whole with integrity, respect, and perseverance.”

Elamin, who was chief of detectives between 2014 and 216, also served on the South Suburban Major Crimes Force from 2008 to 2014.

“We are proud of the brave men and women that make up our police force,” said Rogers. “And we are especially proud of Mikal’s service and commitment to the community.”

Center photo: Mayor Gonzalez, Commander Elamin, and Chief Rogers

Dunkin' the Mayor 2018

This year’s Cop on Rooftop event was another "slam dunk." Residents and Olympians showed up in support of the officers sitting on the Halsted Street Dunkin' Donuts rooftop. Some brave souls even took a shot at dunking Mayor Gonzalez who volunteered to take a turn in the dunk tank with all proceeds donated in support of Special Olympics Illinois.

Congratulations, Ryan Stovall!
Bloom's Annual NHS 5K Winner!

For more information on events like this one, or to find information regarding sponsorship opportunities, visit the School District 206 website here.

Alderman Sonia Perez and CH Park District Commissioner Ricardo Leon hosted a wonderful event in celebration of Cinco de Mayo at Jirtle Park. Mayor Gonzalez joined in the festivities and it was a beautiful afternoon filled with great food and family fun!

Artists in the Park!

Marikay Peter Witlock, artist and resident at Union Street Gallery, sponsored a Plein Air Painting demonstration during the Artists in the Park event. For information on more events like this one, visit the Union Street Gallery website, or click the link below.

Top Right Painting: Thorn Creek Bridge, Mary Ann Trzyna
Center Painting: Thorn Creek, Susan Carlsen

Union Street Gallery website

Earth Day Celebration at McEldowney Park

City of Chicago Heights Community Service Officer Tracey Garcia and her tiny helper volunteered along with residents during the McEldowney Park Clean Up event in honor of Earth Day.